In today’s episode, host Kelsey Peterson sits down with Josh Burnett to explore the creation, growth, and impact of a unique master’s program for K-12 educators in American history. Josh shares the story of how his team partnered with Gettysburg College to develop an accessible, flexible, and affordable online graduate program designed especially for teachers, whether they’re in the classroom, museums, or working with students in parks departments.
They dive into how the program’s innovative structure breaks barriers by prioritizing cost, accessibility, and a sense of community among educators across the country (and even the globe). Josh talks about the challenges and lessons learned from building the program, how they use technology to keep things personal and engaging, and their commitment to supporting teachers at every step, from tech support at odd hours to fostering those lightbulb moments in the “virtual classroom.”
He also talks about the big experiments on the horizon, what success really looks like for different kinds of learners, and why supporting teacher confidence in doing and teaching history is at the heart of it all. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or just passionate about innovative learning, this conversation is a testament to what’s possible when purpose-driven design and thoughtful partnerships come together.
Key Moments
03:43 "Affordable Degree Partnership Success"
07:38 Cost Savings and Communication Online
12:35 Enhanced Class Engagement Strategies
14:32 Feedback Sessions and Group Learning
16:57 Flexible Program with MA+1530 Initiative
22:21 Optimizing Student Support Through Guides
25:10 Tailored Teacher Tech Support
28:02 "History Is Accessible and Evolving"
31:03 Streamlined Student Program Experience
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you care about making advanced education more accessible, supporting teachers, or rethinking what quality online learning can look like, this conversation is for you. Josh Burnett pulls back the curtain on how his team built one of the most affordable, flexible master’s programs in the country and why empowering educators to see themselves as real historians might just be the most powerful outcome of all.
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